Spring tension clamps

CASMIHOK

MEMBER
2005 JEEP LIBERTY
3.7L
V6
4WD
AUTOMATIC
160,000 MILES

I tried to replace my radiator hose and clamps today and failed, at least I tried though. Anyway, I didn't succeed with anything whatsoever. All I did was fumble with these damn clamps and trying to get them on the old hose once I saw I couldn't get the old hose off and decided to just replace the clamps. Basically I used these big ass vise grips to open and close the clamps a bunch of times. I gave up after an hour, and the clamps are all scratched up. The paint is scuffed I mean, because of the grips. This is likely my OCD bothering me, but did I damage the clamp by messing with it for a while? Opening and closing and trying to get it on? I am so frustrated with this stuff today, ready to throw a match in the gas tank and call it quits. Still, can't sleep until I get some insight on that clamp question. Sorry and thank you.
Have a good night.

2 Replies

94 TRANSAM

MECHANIC
680 POSTS

Hi and welcome back.

No, the clamps should be fine. And when you have a hose stuck just take a small #1 flat head screwdriver and slip it under the hose all the way around, and that will break the hose free without hurting the tubing underneath.

Rich

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Monday, September 16th, 2019 AT 4:40 PM

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

Hi,

Are these the style hose clamps that you are talking about? If so, you need to use a special type of pliers. See the second picture. These will actually clamp on to the hose clamp, you can squeeze it and then move it freely up the hose to be able to get it off.

As far as damaging the clamp, you should be fine. They do wear out but are made to be reused. I would just suggest trying to pull on the hose with the clamp on and see if pulls off. If not, you are okay.

Let me know if you have more questions about this. Thanks

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